Binder clips are inexpensive, take up very little space, wouldn’t be greatly missed if left behind, and can be used for so much! Take a few on your next trip, and you’ll end up using them in ways you planned and ways you didn’t. We’ll continue to share our Binder Clip Tips, but here’s ten to kick off this topic:

#1: HANG JUST ABOUT ANYTHING!

1.) Cuff links‘ backs sit nicely inside upright binder clip arm.

2.) Items like belts and watch straps hang from upright arm of a binder clip.

3.) You can’t put your glasses in your usual spot while traveling, so hang them up and make them easy to find. (Also works well during a massage, while swimming, or any situation where you’re concerned you’ll forget them.)

4.) Use a binder clip clipped to an airplane seat back pocket to keep your headphones handy during the flight. Coil the cord on the upright arms to keep it from getting tangled around your feet.

5.) Heavier items cause the upright arm to droop and the item to fall. Use another binder clip (the next size down) to keep the arm up, or wrap an elastic around the two arms.

6.) Use binder clips to keep cords handy and avoid them getting lost. See other ways to do this in Tip #6 below.

7.) Set your jewelry out for the next day. Rings sit around the extended top arm, bracelets and necklaces wrap around the entire clip, and earrings hang from the upright or hanging binder clip arm. (Also a great organizing tip at home or for a college dorm room.)

8.) If you’re sharing a hotel room, or staying with a friend, there’s not always enough room to hang everything you’d like. Use binder clips to create extra hanging space.

#2: TRASH BAG HOLDER

Clip a trash bag to the seat back pocket on a plane, train, or bus to avoid the annoying scramble to find all your trash or dig it out of the pocket when the flight attendant comes by with the trash bag or you hear your stop announced. Leftover produce bags or newspaper bags are a perfect size. Also works well while picnicking (a great way to enjoy the weather in a new city or to save money on food while traveling).

#3: COVER YOUR RAZOR

Avoid an accidental cut or damage to other items – place a binder clip over your razor, then fold the arms down.

#4: KEEP THE LIGHT OUT AND SLEEP BETTER

Ever had hotel curtains that fail to meet in the middle by inch, thus letting in street light and sunlight with laser-like concentration that always seems to be directed right where your sleepy face is resting on the pillow? You will. Be ready.

#5: MONEY CLIP

When traveling, take just the money, credit cards, identification card, emergency card, and other items you really need. Leave behind what you won’t need (e.g., library card, frequent buyer card for your local coffee shop). What you really need to bring will likely fit in a simple binder clip that you can fit in your pocket or purse, so you can leave your bulky wallet at home. You can also clip right to an inside pocket for a little extra pickpocket protection.

#6: KEEP YOUR CORDS HANDY AND IN SIGHT

Clipping charging cords to the side of hotel furniture not only keeps them handy during your stay but also keeps them more visible so you don’t forget to pack them when you leave. Cords left on hotel floors are often forgotten. Be careful not to damage less resilient furniture – carefully place a thin towel or piece of hotel stationery under the binder clip if you’re concerned.

#7: CHIP CLIP

To save money, you can either bring food with you or buy some full-sized items at a local grocery store to avoid expensive single serving sizes in hotel lobbies or amusement parks. Keep these items fresh by sealing them with a binder clip. Stash a few zip-seal sandwich baggies in your luggage if you need to divide into single-serving sizes throughout your trip.

#8: PERSONALIZE YOUR HOTEL ROOM

Long trip? Traveling for work away from family and friends? Make your hotel room a little cozier by using binder clips to display pictures. These take up very little room in your suitcase.

#9: HANG IT UP TO DRY

Clip up your wet bathing suit to dry so you can keep it separate from clean bath towels and clothes until your next trip to the beach or hotel pool. Be sure to find a spot in the hotel room where the moisture won’t damage any hotel furniture.

#10: KEEP YOUR ORGANIZED TOILETRY KIT EXTRA ORGANIZED

This will keep toiletries off the counter, so there’s more space for others sharing your hotel room. Plus, the housekeeping staff won’t have to move all of your stuff. Keeping things close to your toiletry bag also makes packing easier and makes it less likely that you’ll leave something behind.

How do you use binder clips while traveling? Share your favorite Binder Clip Tips with the TMR community.